When winter kicks in, you know the kind of havoc that the snow build-up causes. Not only does it knock down power lines and trees, but it can also lead to your roof collapsing. The flood damage caused by melting snow is even worse. We are talking about leaky basements, stubborn ice dams, mold in your house, and damage to cars and other properties.
Any damage to your roof has the potential to be a costly fix.
The home advisor says roof repairs cost between $45 and $75 per hour of labor. Most minor roof repairs cost between $150 and $400. The national average cost is $995, with most homeowners spending between $376 and $1,661. Roof repair costs can be even higher depending on the materials you use and the size of your property.
So the big question is, can you call your insurance agency to foot these ice melt damage bills? In this guide, we outline whether or not they are covered by home or auto insurance policies – as well as some of the options available for purchase f.rom Lake Region Insurance Agency in Minnesota,
Will Your Insurance Policy Cover Ice Melt Damage?
When the snow melts, the moisture can seep into your home through cracks in your foundation or leak through open doors, causing a flood.
Snow is unlikely to cause flooding directly (unless you live near a lake). However, melting snow can lead to flooding if there’s nowhere for it to drain away safely. Your homeowners’ insurance will cover you for many causes of loss, but floods are not one of them. For that, you’ll need to turn to your flood insurance policy.
If you live in an area prone to floods, it’s essential to consider taking out a flood insurance policy and having it ready before the first storm hits. If you’re looking at flood insurance quotes, keep in mind that a federal flood insurance policy is only available through an agent who participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These policies take 30 days after purchase for the coverage to go into effect.
Flood insurance is available to homeowners, renters, and business owners to protect against property damage caused by heavy rains or overflowing rivers and streams. A separate flood policy is needed to protect against water damage from a sewer backup or overland flooding (when water enters your home from high rain levels that overflow from a river or stream).
Common Problems Associated with Snow or Ice Melt
Winter weather is not only hard on your car. It can be hard on your home and just about anything else exposed to the elements. Here are some of the most common problems associated with snow or ice melt:
Melting Ice Can Cause Ice Dams
These occur when snow on your roof melts and flows down to the edge of your roof, where it refreezes, building up into a barrier. Hence, it prevents water from draining off your roof. Ice dams can cause water to leak into your home through the ceiling or walls.
Car Damage
A car that’s parked outdoors all winter can take a beating from snow, ice, rock salt, and other ice melt products. The salt can cause rust, and frozen doors can crack the paint. If you live near the coast or in an area where they use salt water to de-ice roads, you may want to consider waxing your car before winter starts to reduce its chances of rust damage.
House Damage
It’s vital to keep gutters free of leaves and other debris so melting snow doesn’t back up and cause leaks or ice dams. You should also keep an eye out for any kind of peeling or chipping paint or discoloration around the base of your chimney. That could be a sign that you need professional waterproofing services before the next significant snowfall.
Flooding
Melting snow can cause flooding issues for homeowners if there’s nowhere for it to go safely. Check with local authorities to see if there are any flood risks in your area and how you should prepare for them.
Other Property Damage
What else might be exposed? Ice melt is safe for plants. However, it could ruin a wooden deck or patio because it contains sodium chloride. Sodium chloride is a corrosive material that eats away at wood over time (and could also mess with stain or paint).
Benefits of Insurance Coverage in Case of an Ice Melt
There are many different benefits that you can get from your insurance coverage in an ice melt. It is important to note that these benefits also vary from one insurance company to the next. The following are some of the most notable benefits that you can enjoy from your insurance policy:
Paying for the Costs of Repairing Your Damaged Property
In case of any damage to your property due to the ice melt, your insurance coverage will pay for the repairs. The reimbursement you will receive depends on the type of insurance coverage you have taken. In cases where you are covered partially or entirely, you will be able to enjoy this great benefit.
Paying for Medical Bills and Hospitalization
If you sustain injuries due to an ice melt, then your insurance will support paying your medical bills and hospitalization expenses. Covered medical expenses are an excellent benefit of having insurance coverage for ice and snowmelt.
Keep Your Home Safe in the Winter
Winters in Minnesota are cold and can be dangerous. Winter storms can cause damage to your home and other personal belongings. Every storm carries some risk for destruction, and the question is whether you’re prepared or not.
Do you need help insuring your property against winter weather? Request a quote from an insurance agency you can trust – Lake Region Insurance Agency. Our agents will be here to answer questions and help you protect yourself from the worst in Mother Nature’s arsenal this winter and all year long.